Activist ResourcesThe National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.https://ncsfreedom.org
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:35:02 +0000en-gbWhat Professionals Need to Know About BDSMhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/718-what-professionals-need-to-know-about-bdsm.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/718-what-professionals-need-to-know-about-bdsm.htmlDownload a PDF of "What Professionals Need to Know About BDSM"

]]>Activist ResourcesMon, 23 Jun 2014 22:25:20 +0000Sound Bites for the Polyamory Communityhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/470-sound-bites-for-the-polyamory-community.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/470-sound-bites-for-the-polyamory-community.htmlA detailed look at effective techniques to get your points across regarding the polyamory community. Usually there is no graceful way to segue into a sound bite. That's fine, reporters are used to nonsensical conversations when they give interviews. Whatever the question, respond with one of your sound bites. Repeat these sound bites over and over. Out of a 1/2 long interview, you will be on the air for about 10 seconds or quoted once or twice in a newspaper. So don't ad lib. Keep repeating these sound bites below, as well as any sound bites you and your organization agree to provide to the media about your event or local group. You don't have to get all these in, sometimes it's best to pick a few and keep repeating them in different ways. General Sound Bites on Polyamory Polyamory is the desire for and conduct of responsible, non-monogamous, consensual, romantic relationships with more than one partner. Polyamory is different from cheating because of the honest communication between partners and lovers about their relationships. Polys say theirs is a relationship orientation and an aspect of personal identity just as monogamy is a relationship orientation and an aspect…

Poly

]]>Activist ResourcesTue, 31 Jul 2007 06:14:00 +0000Tips on Meeting with Elected Officialshttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/436-tips-on-meeting-with-elected-officials.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/436-tips-on-meeting-with-elected-officials.htmlOur legislators work for us. They want to know what we think about issues on the local, state, and national level. You can always write letters and should but actually meeting with your elected official is easier than you think. Our legislators work for us. They want to know what we think about issues on the local, state, and national level. You can always write letters and should but actually meeting with your elected official is easier than you think. What is a lobby visit? A lobby visit is a meeting where you tell your elected representative what you think about a certain issue or bill. Whether it is a City Council Member or your Congressional Representative, as one of their constituents you can ask them to take action on an issue or legislation. You can find the office of your local and national elected officials in your area. Some Members of Congress have more than one office in their congressional district, and permanent staff members are usually available for you to meet with. Requesting Your Meeting Make your request in writing and follow up with a call to the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler. Suggest specific…

Activist

NCSF

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]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:37:13 +0000"SM vs. Abuse Policy Statement"https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/435-sm-vs-abuse-policy-statement.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/435-sm-vs-abuse-policy-statement.htmlGuidelines intended to help law enforcement and social services professionals understand the difference between abusive relationships vs. SM. Drafted in 1998 at the second Leather Leadership Conference. The following Principles and Guidelines are intended to help law enforcement and social services professionals understand the difference between abusive relationships vs. consensual sadomasochism (SM). SM includes a broad and complex group of behaviors between consenting adults involving the consensual exchange of power, and the giving and receiving of intense erotic sensation and/or mental discipline. SM includes: "intimate activities within the scope of informed consent that is freely given." Abuse is: "Physical, sexual or emotional acts inflicted on a person without their informed and freely given consent." Principles The SM-Leather-Fetish communities recognize the phrase "Safe, Sane, Consensual" as the best brief summary of principles guiding SM practices: Safe is being knowledgeable about the techniques and safety concerns involved in what you are doing, and acting in accordance with that knowledge. Sane is knowing the difference between fantasy and reality, and acting in accordance with that knowledge. Consensual is respecting the limits imposed by each participant at all times. One of the recognized ways to maintain…

Activist

SM

Abuse

Resoures

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:33:57 +0000Sound Bites about Sexhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/434-sound-bites-about-sex.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/434-sound-bites-about-sex.htmlGuidelines for how to discuss the subject of sex with the news media. This document offers some simple suggestions on approaches to discussing sex, particularly as it relates to common situations that the executive directors of activist organizations may encounter. It was prepared with input from executive directors about issues affecting them and those knowledgeable about how to deal with GLBT issues surrounding sex effectively. General Techniques That Work Effectively: First, in any situation, it is important to gauge the "intent" of the individual making the comment or asking the question. Is this an ultra-conservative publication, reporter, or politician, or is it someone who is sympathetic to the issues? Be proactive about introducing the subject first or bringing up "onerous" topics once the subject has been introduced into conversation and it seems likely that the other party is moving to "attack". This takes away the "shock value" the other party has in introducing the topic in an inflammatory manner first. Simply stated, "The best defense is a good offense." Using direct, confrontational responses to insensitive and inappropriate comments or attacks related to sex and/or sexuality. This is usually best done in an "off the record" conversation with media…

Civil_Rights

Gay

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:31:53 +0000Sound Bites for the Swinger Communityhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/433-sound-bites-for-the-swinger-community.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/433-sound-bites-for-the-swinger-community.htmlA detailed look at this effective technique to get your point across. Usually there is no graceful way to segue into a sound bite. That's fine, reporters are used to nonsensical conversations when they give interviews. Whatever the question, respond with one of your sound bites. Repeat these sound bites over and over. Out of a 1/2 long interview, you will be on the air for about 10 seconds or quoted once or twice in a newspaper. So don't ad lib. Keep repeating these sound bites below, as well as any sound bites you and your organization agree to provide to the media about your event or local group. You don't have to get all these in, sometimes it's best to pick a few and keep repeating them in different ways. General Soundbites about Swinging People involved in swinging in general are better educated about safe sex and sexual responsibility. Often these social events have educational components about consent, communication, as well as safe sex education. Millions of Americans are looking for a way to add a bit more spice to their sex life. The Lifestyle can be a consensual, safe, and fun way to strengthen and build…

Community

Swingers

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:31:03 +0000Sound Bites for the SM-Leather-Fetish Communityhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/432-sound-bites-for-the-sm-leather-fetish-community.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/432-sound-bites-for-the-sm-leather-fetish-community.htmlA detailed look at this effective technique to get your point across to the media. Usually there is no graceful way to segue into a sound bite. That's fine, reporters are used to nonsensical conversations when they give interviews. Whatever the question, respond with one of your sound bites. Repeat these sound bites over and over. Out of a 1/2 long interview, you will be on the air for about 10 seconds, which is usually one or two of your sound bites. Or you get one quote in an article. So don't ad lib. Keep repeating these sound bites below, as well as any sound bites you and your organization agree to provide to the media on local issues. You don't have to get all these in, sometimes it's best to pick a few and keep repeating them in different ways. Safe, Sane and Consensual This is a must! Say it over and over and over like a mantra. "Over fifteen years ago, a community-wide ethic was established known as "safe, sane and consensual". This credo has permeated SM literature and lore far beyond the subculture of the organized community." Or "We constantly discuss issues of consent, which are…

Leather Fetish

Community

SM

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:26:25 +0000Media Tips: Interviewing on SM-Leather Fetish Issueshttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/431-media-tips-interviewing-on-sm-leather-fetish-issues.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/431-media-tips-interviewing-on-sm-leather-fetish-issues.htmlYou don't have to answer the interviewer's exact question. You rarely see the question in TV or print interviews, only the response. So feel free to pick out one word or phrase in the question and respond to that. For example, if they ask, "What do you think when people say you're eroticizing violence?" give one of your sound-bites: "Safe, sane and consensual sexual expression is not violence because at any time the participants can stop what's happening." For example, if they ask, "What does your husband think about you cheating on him?" give one of your soundbites: Don't repeat nasty or inflammatory phrases. See the above question - and don't repeat, "SM isn't eroticizing violence because..." or "Swinging is not cheating..." That makes their point for them. Universalize the questions. If the reporter says something like, "You people who beat each other up..." or "You people who have sex with other people..." then respond with, "We, like you and everyone else in America, believe we have First Amendment rights to express our sexuality in any way that is safe and consensual." Use standard terms rather than "scene" language. If you start saying "scene" and "munch" and…

Leather Fetish

Media

SM

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:23:58 +0000How to Write a Letter to the Editorhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/430-how-to-write-a-letter-to-the-editor.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/430-how-to-write-a-letter-to-the-editor.htmlGuidelines for making your letter to the editor a powerful advocacy tool! It's easier than you think! Why should I write a letter to the editor? Letters to the editor are an effective way to convey a positive image of alternate sexual practices such as SM, polyamory and swinging. Letters help to de-stigmatize negative social myths and misconceptions about these types of practices. These letters help achieve the advocacy goals of NCSF because they: Reach a large audience Are monitored regularly by elected officials Can introduce new information not addressed in a news article Foster an impression that there is widespread support for or opposition to an issue We also suggest that you send copies of letters that you write to members of Congress to your local newspaper editors. These letters are often published to highlight a specific issue in the editorial section. Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor Keep your letter short and on one subject. Newspapers typically have strict space limits for the editorial section and limited space. Keeping your letter short helps your chances of getting the letter published in its entirety, without important points being edited by the newspaper. Make sure your letter is…

Letter To The Editor

]]>Activist ResourcesSun, 17 Jun 2007 23:17:11 +0000How To Protect Your Eventhttps://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/386-how-to-protect-your-event.html
https://ncsfreedom.org/key-programs/dsm-v-revision-project/dsm-v-program-page/item/386-how-to-protect-your-event.htmlIn light of recent attacks by religious and political extremists, here are some suggested guidelines for protecting your event and attendees, including website issues, spokesperson training, and community response to an incident. NCSF Suggested Guidelines There are many considerations organizers must contend with when planning a large event. Large events include educational and social conferences, leather contests, weekend play parties, vendor markets, and club runs. In light of recent attacks by religious and political extremists, here are some suggested guidelines for protecting your event and attendees. BEFORE YOUR EVENT NCSF recommends that you do outreach to local law enforcement. We can not stress enough the importance of doing so. There is no way to fly under the radar if you are hosting an event with a few hundred people that is being advertised over the Internet! Approach the Community Affairs Officer for the precinct in the jurisdiction where the event will be held. Law enforcement can tell you the local and state laws you must observe at your event. Make sure you investigate local and state obscenity laws. If you are hosting vendors at your event, you run the potential risk of violating state obscenity laws and/or state laws…